Collecting an established colony of bees

These photographs show collecting a colony of bees which had established themselves behind a large retaining wall. I didnt realise it until I had started that there was a concrete base behind the wall of at least 8" thick. As I started to excavate bees came out of every crevice possible attacking me big time. I ended being stung everywhere despite wearing protective clothing and as a result had to retreat into the nearby field for cover. Once everything had calmed down I gained full access to the colony, who were then much more protective than before. The end result was that the bees were removed succesfully and then re established in one of my hives. (Click to enlarge)

The retaining wall

The bees are behind the wall using a crack as an entrance

The entrance

The bees don't need much to get in and out

On top

The bees are behind the wall and under 8" of concrete

Excavation

Revealing the colony. They got very angry during this process

The result

A sticky mess after excavation. By this time the bees were in retreat.

The hole

What was left behind

Removal of colony

By balancing a Super on the wall and pursuading the bees to go into it